EuroVox | 06.10.2008 | 05:30

British Resort Town Lures Surfers with Artificial Reef

England isn't well known for surfing -- but that could be changing.

On the South Coast of England, work has begun on Europe's first artificial surfing reef. The structure, currently being put in place on the sea bed just off the city of Bournemouth, should mean that the waves there get a whole lot more attractive for surfers. The reef changes the way the waves break so that surfers get a better ride.

The resort town of Bournemouth is trying to cash in on the rising popularity of surfing across Europe. The city is hoping that the reef will bring in extra 200,000 visitors and almost 4 million euros a year.